Kantian ethics Flashcards
What is duty?
Doing what you ought to do, purely because it is right, not for personal gain
What is the categorical imperative?
Unconditional requirements that must be obeyed in all circumstances, justified as an end in itself - Act according to the maxims
What is a hypothetical imperative?
You must do something if you wish to attain certain ends
What are the 3 postulates?
- God exists
- We are all free
- We are free beings
define autonomy
self-rule or freedom with reason
define heteronomy
rule by others
define postulate
a necessary assumption
To assume the existence or truth as a basis for discussion or belief
Is the theory teleological or deontological?
Deontological- based on the action itself, not the consequence
What word did Kant use to describe the perfect good?
(noun) summun bonum
What is the kingdom of ends?
A world in which everyone is treated as ends in themselves, not the means to an end
Describe Moral Law
an action is only truly good if it is done because it is right, and one’s duty, not for self-interest
What are the maxims?
- You should do to others as you wish to be treated
- Don’t use peoples as the means to an end
- Act as if your actions will be made into law for everyone to follow
Summarise Kantian ethics in how it could be applied to Business Ethics
Acts should be universal
People should not be used
You have a duty (CSR)
List the criticisms given to each maxim
- Others should not always be allowed to have what you have (eg. I want to marry Susan, you cannot also marry Susan)
Not everything is moral duty
Not everything would be moral when applied universally (eg, I should repay my debt, but another person in a worse off situation shouldn’t as it could be damaging to them and their family if they are left with nothing) - Impractical
- Unnecessary, each situation should be treated uniquely
If I give my aunt a present, it is unnecessary for everyone else to give my aunt, or their aunt, a present too
What are some strengths of the theory?
Absolutist- clear and useful
Moral- emphasises human ability to reason. Humans naturally know right from wrong which could be used as evidence in support of Kant
Categorical imperative- encourages a positive society, universal consent, should prevent unjust action if followed by everyone
what are some weaknesses of Kant’s theory?
Cant ignore bad consequences and claim it as ‘moral duty’
Kant ignores emotion and idolises reason only
Dependant on religion
Impossible for humans to act without contemplating personal gain
Putting duty above feelings is cold and inhumane
Produces outcomes that go against common sense eg axe murderer and the truth
How could Aristotle’s ideas be used to criticise Kant?
Kant said you shouldn’t do things for the reward, but A said we should feel good about the things we do, meaning their is some personal interest
How could Thomas Nagel’s ideas be used to criticise Kant?
Moral luck- the same action may not have a good consequence in different situations
Quotes from Kant about the ‘good will’
‘Nothing in the world can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualification except good will’
Why did Aquinas argue actions cannot be universalised?
It could be harmful for an individual to do the good someone else is doing, eg repay debt if the money is being used to go to war against their own country
List the 7 points you should include in an introduction in an essay about Kantian ethics
- categorical imperatives
- hypothetical imperatives
- 3 postulates
- deontological
- summun bonum/ perfect good
- maxims
- moral law
